The Rush cd mastering thread

Well, thats probably why I had such a hard time choosing!

 

I prefer the Canadian 1st with it's laid back realistic defined presentation. The W. German Atomic pressing is my second choice. No radical EQ differences to the Canadian but the sense of realism of the Canadian was not there on the Atomic I heard. This does not mean that there isn't a good sounding W. German only that it has not been my experience so far.

 

Kevin, do you know off hand if the ANC-1 is the same as the WANK?

 

^^^

I would guess that it is, but I don't know for certain. I thought all the info we have up to now is that (AFAWK), all the ANC-1's, VANK's, WANK's, ANK's are the same? Just that sometimes the ANMD's are different?

 

I thought so too, but from what pmckeeaalaska is saying my ANC-1 doesn't sound like his WANK pressing. Based on your take the 25·8P would be the same mastering as the ANC-1 then yes? It certainly didn't sound like it when I compared them.

 

Maybe Hemispheres is one where the ANC-1 is different. If someone could post a sample, I could tell for sure.

 

Can you refresh me on creating one to host and post? I've only done it once before.

 

^^^

Well, you need a way to rip the CD. Most of us use EAC because it will give you a perfect copy, but for just listening, you could probably use any software on you PC (or Mac, like iTunes).

Then you'd need a wav editor to cut out say a 60s section.

Then something like yousendit.com so you can post the wav file for everyone.

 

Here it is Kevin. http://filesave.me/file/16115/The-Trees-Wave-the-one-to-post-wav.html Hopefully everyone can open and play it.

 

Dave- OK, that is from the ANC-1? And you want to compare it to the WANK (I think that's what I have)?

 

so the conclusion is? what the BEST EVER SOUND rush cds? the 1st canadian anthems?

 

My opinion right now is that all of the early Anthems are the best except for Moving Pictures, where you need the Atomic with an 03 matrix code or greater. But I also like the MFSL for Signals as a nice alternative to the early Anthem.

But in some cases, the Anthem is the same as the Atomic, and posted just recently, there are some 25-8P's that are very similar (level shifted) vs the early Anthems.

You should also get Jeff's (Fizbin's) picks, because he has listened to some of these in a lot more detail than I have.

Gerry (Holy Diver) also has some good ears, and we don't hear enough from Ricks here too.



To be fair, some people also like the new Sector sets. IMO, they do seem like a step up from the earlier remasters, but I'm not a fan of how compressed they are vs the earliest discs.

 

Yes Kevin, it's from my ANC-1-1014 CD

 

After comparing all of the Japan, some MFSL's, some W. German Atomics and all of the ANC-1 Canadian 1st pressings I can say it's the Canadian pressings for me. Listened to some W. German Atomic that were very close and no one would be unhappy with. The few ANK and WANK I've heard failed to impress in comparison.

 

As I've evaluated from Moving Pictures upwards, I have limited CD choices ATM. So far, it's been:

- Moving Pictures - Atomic 03 Matrix
- Signals - AMCY/SHM
- Grace Under Pressure (Anthem? I think Kevin may prefer 25.8P)
- Power Windows (SHM, waiting for confirmation)
- Hold Your Fire (SMH, waiting for confirmation)
- Roll the Bones (Audio Fidelity)

Does that include the Anthem Moving Pictures?

Oh, and here is a recap of all the samples I've posted:

Power Windows - Big Money

- Atomic
- SHM

Hold Your Fire - Force Ten

- AMCY
- Mercury
- SHM

Hold Your Fire - Second Nature

- AMCY
- Mercury
- SHM

Hold Your Fire - Lock And Key

- AMCY
- Mercury
- SHM

 

Yes, I have a complete ANC-1-****, ANC-2-**** collection.

 

I meant, you would say the MP Anthem is better that the 03 matrix Atomic?

 

Jeff still has to post his opinion on the SHM of Power Windows.

And I am suitably reminded to take a look at HYF.

 

I can't recall if my old Atomic was the 03 matrix, but sonically I preferred the Anthem not that the Atomic was bad.

 

Are they the same mastering or is the ANC-1 unique?

 

^^^

Also on my list.

 

My Anthem VANK-1004 of 2112 came in the mail yesterday and I did a shoot out between it and the 25.8P. For me and on my system, the VANK beats the Japanese release in just about every way. What a wonderful presentation of this awesome album. I'm not sure if its a different mastering from the 25.8P but the peak levels between each are different. However, the richness and smoothness of the sound is just fantastic. I think I've found my own "grail mastering" for this album folks!

 

- Moving Pictures - Atomic 03 Matrix (Or higher)
- Signals - AMCY/SHM

I'm in agreement with the above, plus these original Anthem's:
2112 / A Farewell to Kings / Hemispheres / Permanent Waves (Atomic is the same)

I'm not a big fan of any CD versions of Grace Under Pressure but if I had to choose it would be the Anthem...Although I might mix and match some tracks from the Atomic.

I'm still in limbo with Power Windows. Normally I test with my two identical CD players but my gear is in a transitional state. I will report back sometime this week, with my preliminary findings.

Glad you like it.

 

Many thanks Fizbin!

 

You probably wouldn't want The Enemy Within from the Atomic. All the copies I have tried have a weird click. (Can't recall which point in the song, but it's very audible).